Rabu, 30 April 2014

Must

If there is just one thing you should know about Saturday night's Portland Fashion Week show, it is that Brady Lange took the grossest, cat-patterned, possibly-meant-for-upholstery-purposes fabric from the grandma section of Mill End and turned it into a moto jacket ( plus matching pants) that has become possibly the most coveted piece in the history of PFW thus far.


Jaycob Desrosiers and Brianna Nelson

If there's room in your brain for a few more things, too, my recap of Day 2 is up now over on MOD.


Portillo's hot dog chain considers sale


The Portillo Restaurant Group is exploring financial alternatives, including a possible sale of the Portillo's division, the company said on Wednesday.


'We've enjoyed significant growth over the past 50 years, experiencing same-store sales increases over the last 10 years in the Chicagoland area, even when the economy as a whole suffered,' President, CEO and Founder Richard Portillo said in a statement.


The Oak Brook-based company said it has hired Piper Jaffray & Co. as its financial adviser as it evaluates alternatives.


Portillo, which calls itself the Midwest's largest privately-held restaurant company, has 38 Portillo's locations in Illinois, Indiana, California and Arizona, serving such fare as hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. In 2013, sales at the Portillo's chain topped $300 million.


'This is a thriving business poised to launch to the next level, presenting an incredible opportunity for employees and investors,' Portillo added.


The Wall Street Journal reported the news earlier on Wednesday.


Privately-owned Portillo Restaurant Group got its start in 1963 when Dick Portillo began selling hot dogs from the Dog House, a small trailer in Villa Park. The company's other brands include Barnelli's Pasta Bowl, Honey-Jam Cafe and Luigi's House.


Portillo's potential sale comes as investor interest in the so-called fast casual restaurant segment has taken off. Fast casual chains sell food at slightly higher prices than fast food chains and typically make food to order. Chicago-based Potbelly, another player in the segment, went public in 2013.


Woman Said She Was Refused Housing Because Of Therapy Dog's Breed


KALAMAZOO, Mich. - (April 30, 2014) 'She`s been an emotional support animal for two years. I'm starting to tear up,' said Abigail Janes, Atheena's owner.


The American Staffordshire Terrier, which looks like a pit bull, is her nationally registered emotional therapy dog that helps Janes deal with anxiety and depression.


'She`s just there to help me to relieve some of my anxiety and get through my day,' said Janes.


The dog has a service badge, an ID number and a service dog coat.


'She knows that when we put on the vest it`s good girl time,' said Janes.


She's also been a member of the family, watching over her daughter, Gracie, and calming Abigail's fears as her son Jace, a premature baby, fights for life in the intensive care unit.


The reason Abigail thought she might have to give Atheena up, the Kalamazoo home she rents is for sale.


She needs to fine an apartment quickly.


But for two months, she said she's been denied because rental properties don't want a 'pit bull' on site even though she's a registered therapy dog.


'It has her badge number and everything and it has her vest and they don`t really look into it, kind of brush it off,' said Abigail.


She said her encounter at Sage Terrace Apartments in Kalamazoo, where signs clearly state that pets are welcome, was the most recent frustration.


Abigail said there she was told that Atheena wasn't a 'welcome breed' when she went in to talk to a staff member during an appointment to fill out an application.


She said she told the staff member,' 'I have a dog for an emotional support animal'. She kind of stopped and asked me what kind of dog it was. I said, 'She`s an


American Staffordshire Terrier', and she said, 'Oh, another name for a pit bull'.'


Abigail said the woman continued to discourage her from renting.


'She`s like, 'OK, I don`t think our insurance allows that. They`re not supposed to be on the property'. She went and looked that up and she just kind of got an attitude from there I feel like,' said Abigail.


Abigail said calls to the regional manager to talk about the issue went unanswered.


Atheena's registration badge states that under law, 'Landlords are required to make reasonable accommodation (a change in the rules) to permit a disabled handler to keep an ESA, even when a landlord's policy explicitly prohibits pets.'


It cites the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act.


We went to a staff member in the office at the Sage Terrace complex looking for answers.


She said, 'I am not allowed to say anything. Everything has to go through Dennis who is my regional.'


However, Dennis Bowman wasn't on site.


The staff member passed on a message to him and he called us, conducting an interview by phone.


Dennis Bowman, who serves as the regional manager for Group Five Management, said the complex does indeed allow appropriately registered emotional therapy animals.


Bowman said, 'As long as it is an emotional support dog, yes, we will allow them. We will just need the paperwork to establish that.'


He went on to say, 'We would require a copy and documentation and we`re all set. She would have to be approved on her own terms of residency. Then, the dog policy would come into play.'


Bowman was able to talk to Abigail after we contacted him, offering her the opportunity to again go to the office and fill out an application.


He said for some reason, Abigail didn't have the correct number for his regional office.


Bowman said the numbers were transposed.


Abigail said she will likely fill out the application Thursday.


Bowman said if she meets other residency qualifications, and Atheena's paperwork is correct, she could very well have an apartment there in the future regardless of her dog's breed.


As for other complexes who may be ignoring registered therapy animals, Abigail said it's something that those with physical or mental challenges can't live without.


'A lot of people don`t even look at it. They don`t really care,' said Abigail. 'I felt hurt by it. I can`t get rid of her.'


Transparent Clothes: How To Rock The Spring Fashion Trend (In A Real World ...


Sometimes, the runway presents us with a challenge that is hard to pull off in the real world, away from the fashion lights. This spring, that challenge is the sheer trend. Now, we don't go suggesting you wear see-through skirts and tops willy nilly! The new sheer is all about a balance-the sporty with the feminine, the sultry with the more boyish. But, by employing the use of sheer insets (in strategic places!), you can rock this ethereal spring fashion trend in a real world way. Let's take a look:



Sheer panels and cutouts are a great way to rock the trend. With opaque fabric to keep the look less revealing, you can still have fun with fabrics of the more translucent variety. Go for something more casual and sporty, like this Alexander Wang sweatshirt, to balance out the delicate nature of the fabric.



Speaking of balancing, sheer hemlines are a great way to wear a shorter silhouette. Whether with a mini, like this Phillip Lim, a midi, or a maxi, use this detail in trim as a foray into a different style than you may typically be used to.



If you prefer a piece that is more completely sheer, match it with a thick bandeau underneath. Go for a boxier or oversized fit, like this from Calvin Klein and embrace the new, less provocative, trend in sheer, this season.


For more spring outfit ideas, head here: Want to try out this trend? Start with some of out favorites below. Photos: runway, getty images

Olivia Palermo Reveals How She Looks So Perfect All The Time (Plus, Her ...


Is there anyone more envy-inducing than Olivia Palermo? Not only does she have a seemingly endless supply of adorable outfits (which, I'm told, she puts together without the help of a personal shopper or stylist), but she's also insanely photogenic. Seriously, does a bad picture of Palermo even exist in the world?



According to Palermo, the secret to taking a good picture comes down to more than perfect hair and flawless makeup (which, by the way, she also does herself). Nope, Palermo claims her magical photo abilities are actually all about attitude.


'I think that it's most important to feel comfortable and look relaxed,' Palermo said at recent event for Piperlime, where she's a regular guest editor. 'And always consider the lighting.'



Of course, having a few go-to wardrobe essentials in your arsenal doesn't hurt either. Below, Palermo's picks to help you nail the non-emotional, non-lighting part of the photogenic equation this spring. Fake it till you make it, right?


G: What are your three must-have shoe styles for spring, and what would you wear with them?

OP: 1. Ballet flats with a crisp button-down


2. Gladiator sandals with a cute sundress.


G. Is there a style of clothing you love now that you never thought you'd like?

3. Metallic snakeskin flats with neutral colors.


'What are your go-to spring wardrobe essentials? Got any secrets to looking flawless in photos a la Olivia?'

OP: Culottes! The proportions are very important. Culottes can be very chic with a pair of heels when the proportions are right.G: If you could buy only one thing this season, what would it be? How would you style it?


OP: A bomber jacket. They have a very youthful, casual, cool feeling about them. I love the tweed ones-they give it a slightly different texture. I wear mine with jeans and flats and a basic white or gray tee or a button-down.


Photos: Courtesy of Piperlime

Pedigree Adoption Drive

This year sees the launch of the Pedigree Adoption Drive for the seventh year running. Since launching in 2007 we have raised €500k for dog shelters and charities around the country while also feeding tens of thousands of rescue dogs.


Last year over 15,000 dogs were either seized or surrendered to dog authorities, with 5,867 rehomed directly, and 6,013 transferred to welfare groups.


The aim of the Pedigree Adoption Drive is to encourage dog lovers to consider giving these dogs healthy happy homes.


As well as providing thousands of meals to rescue dogs around the country, this year sees Pedigree support the campaign with a €40,000 grants system, delivering even bigger tangible benefits to shelters in need.


Three shelters will all receive a guaranteed sum of €10,000, with one of the three receiving a sum of €20,000


Wicklow SPCA, Cork Dog Action Welfare Group, and Lilly's Dog Rescue from Cavan will all receive a guaranteed sum of €10,000, with one of the three receiving a sum of €20,000.


Pedigree know the life changing positive effect dogs can have on their owners health and happiness and are using the Pedigree Adoption Drive to once again help shelters help dogs. Throughout this year's Pedigree Adoption Drive, Pedigree will feed more rescue dogs than ever before, aiming to feed up to 10,000 rescue dogs through shelters across the country. Throughout the month of May, SuperValu stores around the country will help Pedigree to achieve this goal by providing point of sale donation points for shoppers within their stores.


Getting behind the Pedigree Adoption Drive for 2014 are model and dog lover Daniella Moyles (Republic of Telly, iRadio) and all round funny man PJ Gallagher. When asked about his involvement in this year's campaign, PJ said 'This is most definitely something after my own heart. My love for dogs is no secret, and I think the encouragement of people to adopt dogs and facilitate the overcrowding issues in Ireland's shelters is a brilliant and worthy cause' with Daniella adding 'It really breaks my heart to imagine so many gorgeous dogs without homes. Until very recently I was unaware of how much of an issue this had become, and I am so glad to get behind the Pedigree Adoption Drive'.


Cork DAWG

Dog Action Welfare Group, known as Cork DAWG, is a charitable organisation founded in 2008. Created and run primarily by a network of volunteers concerned with the welfare of abandoned, abused and ill-treated dogs in Cork, we aim through our collective experience to improve the lives of Cork's dogs and to educate the public on dog welfare and dog ownership. We rescue abused, straying, surrendered and abandoned dogs to keep them out of city and county kill pounds to give them a second chance at finding loving homes. Each year we rescue approximately 1,000 dogs who live in our dedicated dog sanctuary or with our volunteer fosterers while waiting for their forever homes. Every year, the pressure on DAWG increases as we struggle to find space for the growing number of dogs who need rescue and to meet the fostering and veterinary costs of the wonderful dogs in our care. We cannot meet our mission without the badly needed support of dog lovers everywhere.


Wicklow SPCA

For one hundred years the Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Wicklow SPCA) has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome animals. We provide love, care and much needed attention to hundreds of animals that are abused, mistreated and hurt throughout the year. This is why it's crucial that we ask for your support. We believe that in order to try and prevent animal cruelty, education is key. In the navigation above, we provide you with some handy training tips, veterinarian tips and more so why not take a look and we are sure you'll find something helpful! We would not be able to do our jobs without the help from the general public. Without your support and generous donations we would be unable to provide care for any of the animals. We have recently set up an online donations page and we ask for your continuous support. All proceeds go directly to helping the animals and we appreciate all donations. to visit our donations page. Donations can be made anonymously if you wish.


Lilly's Dog Rescue - Cavan

Lily's Rescue is a small, home based rescue facility started to help abandoned and pound dogs in our local area. Most dogs that are rescued have no I.D. We find it almost impossible to reunite these dogs with their owners, it is therefore important to make sure your dog has a tag or microchip! (and that any microchip is registered!) Many dogs that end up in Ireland's dog pounds, through no fault of their own, are put to sleep. We at Lily's Rescue aim to try to help as many of these dogs as we can, find loving forever homes.


More on this



- With sleek signs and professional photos of their cuisine on the menu boards, it is common for people to think local restaurant Firewurst is part of a national chain. It feels like it is part of something bigger than itself.


If things go well, it will be a regional or national franchise one day. But for now, this fast-casual restaurant has only three locations (two in Cary, one in Brier Creek in Raleigh).


The Out and About team first met co-founders Bill and Chas Morgenstern at The Chef's Academy in Morrisville. They were holding a challenge for student chefs to create potential menu items. Student chefs came up with a variety of ways to top their gourmet hot dogs and sausages. A few of their ideas even made it onto the menu for a period of time.


With grilling season finally here, we decided it was time to check out Firewurst's latest location, next to the Bass Pro in Cary, and their menu.


First, we are completely obsessed with the Süße Soße - a sweet and tangy delight that is served on several of their signature hot dogs and sausages. We love it on the Firewurst Dog, which is also topped with Swiss cheese and applewood bacon. It's no surprise that the sauce is a family recipe that has been tweaked over the years. The Morgensterns have a rich family history in this industry.


Bill Morgenstern's grandfather, Charles Rotar, was a sausage-maker who learned the trade from his own Romanian immigrant father. Morgenstern learned about the importance of top quality product and homemade recipes.


When it was time to start a family business, Morgenstern decided to carry on his family's history by starting Firewurst. He and his son Chas started the business in 2012 with its first location off of Kildaire Farm Road in Cary. Chas' brother Dan Morgenstern, a UNC grad, joined the ranks recently as the vice president of marketing.


They started with just hot dogs and sausages, but offered up a variety of ways to top them on freshly baked in-house bread. To make sure they had the right sauces, they did some taste testing with executive chefs. In the end, professional prepared sauces were no match for the Süße Soße, Morgenstern's family sauce, which was entered into the testing anonymously.


As the name implies, they have Bratwurst and Cheddar Brats on the menu. While those were top-notch, we are also huge fans of the Spicy Chicken and Sweet Chicken sausages also on the menu. The Sweet Italian was another favorite


The idea of a hot dog might conjure up images of 'mystery meat,' but Morgenstern said not to fear. All of Firewurst's hot dogs are 100 percent beef and no fillers. They come from the Fontanini, a renowned manufacturing plant out of Illinois. The sauces also come from the plant.


Speaking of dogs, Firewurst features a variety of ways to enjoy your dog. Try the BBQ Dog, served with Swiss, house-made barbecue sauce, applewood bacon and topped with crispy onion tanglers. The Carolina Dog, a Carolina red dog, is topped with yellow mustard, house-made chili, diced onions and southern sweet slaw.


The dogs are spiral cut, so the sauces and toppings just melt into them. It really helps keep the dogs juicy and full of flavor.


We checked out the BBQ Dog and really loved that house-made barbecue sauce. It blended well with the dog's natural flavors.


After a customer survey, the restaurant decided to add burgers to the menu. In their tradition of quality, Firewurst is serving up high-grade Certified Angus Beef burgers. You can get those served Carolina-style, Texas Chili, Coney Island or (our favorite) Bacon BBQ-style. These burgers are huge!


After telling you all about the main entrees, you probably don't think we had time to try side items. We were determined to try as much as we could so we could give you accurate suggestions on what to order!


Hand-cut fries are served topped with sea salt, Parmesan or Cajun spices. I loved the light cheese flavor the Parmesan cheese added to them. You can also chili and cheese.


Our pick for the best side item here is the sweet potato fries. They served topped with brown sugar and with a barbecue ranch sauce. Another notable sauce there is their curry ketchup. It is served with hot dogs, sausages and regular fries. Curry ketchup is a staple in Germany! (Here's the recipe)


If you are looking for something lighter, they do have freshly prepared salads and slaw. All produce is locally sourced when available.


And if you get thirsty, there are local craft brews for sale, in addition to soft drinks.


If you are looking to save money, there are daily specials and children eat free every Wednesday night at all of their locations. The most expensive combo meal, the double stacked burger, comes in under $10 - so prices are fairly on point with the amount of food you are getting.


As Firewurst eyes its franchise future, we couldn't help but wonder what the menu's future might hold. Exotic meats could find a way on the menu, the Morgensterns said. And is anyone up for trying to eat a 7 pound hot dog? We are hoping that they will let the Out and About team get a few friends to help out if that challenge is unleashed to diners!


At Wrigley Field, Orthodox vendors going the way of Cubs wins


Longtime fans of the Chicago Cubs know there are a few mainstays they can expect when they visit Wrigley Field: ivy on the outfield walls, a strict no-wave policy rigorously enforced by fans and, most days, disappointing play by the hometown team.


But there's one little-known quirk at Wrigley that appears to be fading away as the ballpark, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last week, enters its second century: the numerous Orthodox Jewish vendors who sell food and drinks in the stands.


A few subtle signs could give them away: a stray tzitzit strand flapping out of a jersey, a name tag reading Simcha, the mincha prayer minyan that used to take place in the outfield stands before or after games.


No one seems to know quite how it began, but for decades Wrigley Field vending was a redoubt of Orthodox Jews, most of them teenagers or early 20-somethings, and almost all of them men.


'I went to high school at Ida Crown Jewish Academy, and it was just like a rite of passage there,' said Jon Blumberg, 41, an investment fund manager who vended for five or six summers beginning in 1989. 'Once you were at the age where you no longer were going to camp or didn't want to be a counselor, it was just what guys did.'


The tradition long predates Blumberg. The late Rabbi Moshe Kushner, the Chicago Rabbinical Council leader and Camp Moshava-Wisconsin director who died last October at age 68, vended in his youth.


Twenty years ago, it wasn't unusual to have upward of 25 Orthodox Jewish vendors working the stands at Wrigley, selling everything from beer to peanuts.


It was seen as an ideal summer job for observant teenagers. The ballpark is a short ride from Chicago's Orthodox neighborhoods, it wasn't too onerous to join the union required to vend, you could make a decent amount of money in just four hours' work, and vendors could choose when they wanted to work and when they didn't - perfect both for Sabbath observers and teens uninterested in committing to a regular job.


Plus, there was the baseball.


'This was a dream come true,' said David Porush, 40, a lawyer who vended for a couple of years starting at age 16. 'I'm a huge Cubs fan. I love baseball. I love Wrigley Field. If you were a very big fan like me, I'd make $30 or $40 and then sit down to watch the game. But if you were a very aggressive vendor, you could make a lot of money.'


Danny Altschul, now a partner at the accounting firm McGladrey, credits his five years of vending with helping pay for his wedding and the down payment on his house in the Chicago neighborhood of West Rogers Park.


'For those few hours you were out there it wasn't the time to be lazy,' said Altschul, who could make up to $300 on a good day. 'You work hard, try to work swiftly and take advantage of an opportunity when you're in a commission-based business. It helped me pay for college.'


Like many of the vendors, Altschul also hawked wares at Chicago's other sports arenas. He remembers fondly the day he managed to sell 31 loads of pop (Midwest parlance for soda) at a Cubs-Astros day game and then headed downtown to Comiskey Park to work a White Sox night game.


Porush says he wanted to vend ever since he was a little kid, when he'd watch Orthodox vendors at Wrigley slip free beer, ice cream and peanuts to his father, a teacher at the Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School. The vendors were former students.


David Landsman, an accountant who now lives in New Jersey, used to cut school to vend on Opening Day and used a similar tactic to avoid trouble.


'In Chicago, everyone would play hooky on Opening Day,' Landsman recalled. 'As long as I gave the assistant principal something from what I was selling, it was fine.'


In recent years, the stream of young Orthodox Jewish vendors has slowed to a trickle. Seniors at the two Orthodox high schools that served as the main feeders - Ida Crown and Skokie Yeshiva - told JTA through an administrator that students aren't becoming vendors anymore. Vending isn't as lucrative as it once was, the rising number of night games makes the job less suitable for teens and the setting isn't that compelling to young people.


'My kids, they don't get it,' Blumberg said. 'They don't understand why you'd ever go to a Cubs game because they're so pathetic. The ones who want to go say they want to go to the Sox.'


The number of young Orthodox Jewish vendors at Wrigley has shrunk to just four or five, plus about an equal number of older full-timers, according to Joe Bulgatz, an Orthodox Jew in his 50s who has been vending at Wrigley and other sports venues in Chicago since 2004.


'Between the Cubs' performance and the economy, a lot of people are just saying, 'Hey, it's not worth it,' ' he said.


Bulgatz juggles his hours working in the credit department of a cable provider so he can supplement his income by vending at Wrigley and venues such as U.S. Cellular Field, the United Center and Soldier Field. His modus operandi, he says, is to 'provide the best quality service possible and make a connection with the fans, and make a kiddush Hashem at the same time.'


If he sees fellow Orthodox Jews, Bulgatz often drops a hint to let them know he's a member of the tribe - informing them, for example, that the hot chocolate is kosher-certified.


Orthodox Jews have a few unique restrictions when it comes to vending. They can't work on Shabbat or Jewish holy days, which cuts out about a quarter of the games. On Passover, they may not handle beer - often the most lucrative product - because it's hametz, or leavened. And many won't sell hot dogs for fear of unwittingly selling non-kosher meat to a Jew.


Years back, when the hot dog buns apparently carried dairy ingredients, Orthodox vendors often debated whether selling franks violated the Jewish law prohibiting profiting from the sale of food that mixes meat and dairy, even if the meat isn't kosher.


Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, kashrut administrator at the Chicago Rabbinical Council, says he fielded this question from a vendor's mother not long ago. The prohibition, he says, applies only to foods in which the dairy and meat have been cooked together, so ballpark franks are OK (as long as you're not selling them to a Jew).


As the kosher certification agency for the kosher food stands at the United Center, the rabbinical council maintains an onsite mashgiach, or kosher supervisor, at Bulls (NBA) and Black Hawks (NHL) home games. Wrigley has no exclusively kosher concessions - a subject of some consternation among Orthodox fans. A call to United Center's kosher concessionaire, Kosher Sports Inc., was not returned.


With so many God-fearing Jews vending - and sometimes praying - at Wrigley, the Cubs' dismal performance might seem like a challenge of faith.


Porush says he doesn't see it that way.


'I'd like to think we're getting our reward in the next world,' he said. 'I've seen lots of heartache as a Cubs fan, and I think it is parallel to being a God-fearing Jew. We live through difficult times and all we can say is, 'Next year in Jerusalem.' A Cubs fan is always saying, 'Wait till next year.' That's who we are.'


So what will happen first - the coming of the Messiah or a Cubs World Series title (the last was in 1908)?


'I really hope Moshiach comes first,' Porush said, 'because the Cubs aren't going to be a contender for at least another two years.'


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Found: 22 Crisp Striped T



Few things in your wardrobe are as versatile, crisp and perennially on-trend as a nautical striped T-shirt. Layer it under a blazer with leather pants, pair it with a beaded gold skirt, top it with a pair of vintage Levi's-the cool quotient is ALWAYS there.


My own personal collection of striped shirts veers into the dozens. It's a borderline addiction. But then again, I wear them all year long, especially in the spring. So I've rounded up some of my favorites for the season. Take a look and get inspired!


Are you as stripe-obsessed as we are? Or do you prefer other patterns? Photos: Street style, Getty Images

Draft a local puppy mill law good pet shops can live with

Written by Tim Hadac

As The Regional News reported last week, there is an ongoing debate in Orland Park over whether the village should use its home-rule powers to opt out of the Cook County Companion Animal & Consumer Protection Ordinance, set to take effect Oct. 1.


The county ordinance is designed to strike a blow against so-called puppy mills, which as most of us know are commercial breeders who engage in sloppy and even inhumane treatment of dogs and cats.


Its chief proponent, County Commissioner John Fritchey of Chicago's North Side, says that the ordinance will limit 'the retail sale of puppies and kittens in Cook County pet stores to animals sourced from shelters and other humane adoption centers.'


The ordinance would almost certainly drive out of business one of village's oldest and most respected retail establishments: Happiness Is Pets, 15647 S. 94 th Ave., and throw its staff to the uncertainty of the unemployment line-despite the fact that owner Ron Berning insists that he does not purchase puppies from mills.


At a recent village board meeting, Berning said that breeders he deals with meet and sometimes exceed USDA standards. He even offered to take trustees on a tour of a breeding facility. We suggest that they take him up on it. We'll go, as well.


Like all men and women of good will, we at The Regional News oppose puppy mills and other inhumane treatment of dogs.


We have several additional observations to add to the debate.


We question whether it is appropriate to attack a wholesale problem at the retail level, if it is fair to punish a licensed, respected pet shop owner for the sins of puppy mills with which he says he has no dealings.


Think about that, and think about the ramifications.


Imagine if legislators decided to expand the attack on animal cruelty, addressing horrific conditions at factory farms, where animals suffer every bit as much as dogs suffer at puppy mills.


Imagine if the village banned the sale of all eggs, except those laid by free-range hens at small farms.


Imagine if the village banned the sale of veal, the sale of beef from cattle kept in pens, the sale of pork and bacon from pigs kept in cages.


Now imagine the reaction of Orland Park grocers and restaurant owners, as shoppers and diners abandoned local food establishments and went instead to Oak Forest, Orland Hills, Tinley Park, Mokena, Homer Glen and elsewhere.


Rest assured that the Orland Park business community would rise up and use their muscle to stop the idea in its tracks, and then they'd talk about electing new faces next time around.


But when the target is a solitary business owner, 'just one pet shop,' as a village trustee said chillingly on April 21--well, you get the picture.


So what is the right direction here? What should Orland Park officials do regarding the Cook County Companion Animal & Consumer Protection Ordinance?


We see the answer in one of the options described by Trustee Dan Calandriello, chairman of the village board's Public Safety Committee and an attorney who has successfully prosecuted those who abuse animals.


Orland Park should use its power to opt out of the new county ordinance and at the same time craft its own law, made with input from the business community, animal rights advocates from Orland Park, and other interested parties in the village.


Such an ordinance would be enforced by the village itself, by a code enforcement officer.


If done right, such a law would demonstrate that there is a sensible middle ground, that Orland Park can be pro-dog and pro-business at the same time.


If done right, such a law would serve as a model for other communities and show that Orland Park uses its head as well as its heart.


The opportunity is there.


Shoppers patronize independent boutiques during Savannah Fashion Week


Shopper Stacey Sedory clicked her heels together three times in front of a vertical mirror in Savannah's Custard Boutique Tuesday, one of several fashion enthusiasts participating in Savannah Fashion Week.


'These remind me of Dorothy,' said Sedory, wearing one sparkly red flat and one blue, mixing and matching the store's newest arrival of Jeffrey Campbell jellies.


She and her friend, Courteney Hecht, are fans of Custard, an independent retailer owned by Tara Kirkland, who started her shop six years ago.


'We love Tara, and we wanted to see Modern Bronze,' said Hecht, referring to the jewelry trunk show at the back of the shop. 'We go every year (to Fashion Week) and want to support all the local businesses.'


Now in its fifth year, Savannah Fashion Week is a week-long celebration of the Hostess City's independent boutique retailers, featuring trunk shows, screenings and a runway show in Forsyth Park on Thursday. This year is also the first time local designers are participating as well, bringing back to the area several former college graduates who've launched their own jewelry and clothing lines.


Liz Anderson and her twin sister Sarah Knox are based in Franklin, Tenn., but traveled to Savannah to showcase their celestial-inspired jewelry line, Modern Bronze.


Anderson graduated from SCAD in '03 and majored in painting, but said it was a metals and jewelry elective she took that always stuck with her.


'It's great to be back here,' said Anderson, adding that it seemed as if there were more boutiques than when she attended college.


Knox said Franklin, which recently out-polled Savannah in Garden & Gun magazine's competitive online bracket for best Southern town, is really booming right now for startup businesses such as theirs.


'I think they really support creativity because of the music base in Nashville, and Franklin is just all about creativity and different outlets,' said Knox.


Tara Kirkland, owner of Custard, said the event started in 2010 as a loosely organized collection of local retailers wanting to highlight their industry. The event has since grown leaps and bounds.


'Our first one was in the Jepson - we had a really small amount of ticket sales - then after that we were in the Lucas, which was quadruple the tickets, now we're in the park, which is awesome,' said Kirkland.


She said the event often gets confused with Fashion's Night Out, launched originally by Vogue in 2011, which is held in the fall and includes a larger cast of retailers - not just the homegrown.


'My big thing is encouraging people to remember the local stores and support the community that they live within,' said Kirkland.


Kirkland served as president of Fashion Week for the past three years, and this year's president is Heather Burge, owner of BleuBelle Boutique, whose shop will hold a trunk show this Saturday featuring local Savannah designer Kathryn Hayes of Mix Julep.


Across the street from Custard, designer Emily Bargeron, owner of the Mamie Ruth line, opened her showroom to fashionistas Tuesday afternoon. This was her first year participating in Fashion Week and she was encouraged by the inclusion of local designers in the runway show in Forsyth Park.


'I'm excited about it being outside. That will bring out a lot of people,' said Bargeron. 'Having a beautiful backdrop will also make the clothes look good.'


Bargeron, who travels around the Southeast, said Savannah is a good base for her operation.


'We've been here three years,' said Bargeron. 'I graduated from Georgia Southern University, so we have interns from GSU every year and it's a good central location.'


Bargeron is sharing her showroom with Mary Liz Pulk, designer/owner of M Liz Designs. Pulk is a SCAD grad who worked at Zia Boutique for a few years before starting up her own line of jewelry.


'I designed my fall collection around hers,' said Pulk. 'Our collections already work so well together, with the bohemian inspiration, and we both wholesale to other stores.'


She said after graduating in 2009, she thought she'd have to leave to find work, but realized Savannah actually has advantages over bigger cities.


'We can easily do a photo shoot in a day because we have model and photographer friends we can call on,' said Pulk. 'It's actually a little easier because you're a big fish in a small pond as opposed to the other way around.'


DON'T MISS A MOMENT

For more information on other events going on this week, go to savannahfashionweek.org or find them on Facebook by searching 'Savannah Fashion Week.'


Selasa, 29 April 2014

Peachy Keen Spring Fashion Show

April 29, 2014 | Story by: Lindsey Chester | Categories: Fashion, Featured



Cary, NC - The Peachy Keen Boutique held its 3rd fashion show Thursday April 24, 2014 to a packed house. The retailer, located in Harrison Pointe Shopping Center, is quickly making a name for itself among the local fashionistas. The store was decorated to carry out their Margaritaville theme complete with a cocktail hour that included margaritas, chips with homemade guacamole, and beef tips on buns.


There were raffle prizes in sand-filled buckets, a manicurist creating beach themed nail art (An from Nirvelli Day Spa) and a guitarist serenading the crowd to warm things up.


Peachy Keen - It's a Family Affair

Owner Donna Hanken introduced all the sponsors and then gave the stage to her daughter, Jenn to describe to the audience where the inspiration from the show came from. Sister Karly, a Savannah College of Design graduate, was back stage preparing the models to walk the catwalk.


Easy Breezy Styling

With our hot summers, the store focused on easy breezy styles that work well in the heat of the Piedmont Spring and Summer. Styles had plenty of flow and texture. Easy tops were paired with straight-legged tight fitting denim or cute shorts in white or bright colors.


Dresses!

Lots of dresses were shown, which have gained popularity over skirts or separates. Dress lengths were either above the knee, or maxi with nothing in between.


Dress shapes had a fit-and-flair shape, being close to the body on top and swingy at the hem, mostly with a fitted waistline.


There was still a lot of lace and open-weave fabrications, including mesh or cut outs on sleeve and back treatments.


Colors & Prints - Subtlety Makes a Comeback

Colors were more subdued that last season with plenty of wearable black & white. Prints were more subtle than last year's tribal beat with tonal Ikat and ethnic prints like that pictured above.


Keeping It Real

A nice break from most fashion shows, the models were women of all ages and looked like 'real people.' The audience seemed appreciative.


Show-goers were treated to swag bags that included a discount for shopping after the show, and folks were indeed trying on and buying afterwards.


CaryCitizen looks forward to Peachy Keen's fall show in October. Visit them online: http://ift.tt/1tAVV4e


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Lindsey Chester designed women's sportswear for 15 years in New York's Fashion Center.

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CaryCitizen is sponsored in part by Fit & Able Productions. Get moving, get healthy.

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Enterprising law student finds profit in dog breeding and research

Enterprising law student finds profit in dog breeding and research


By LILLIAN KIARIE


NAIROBI, KENYA: Naomi Waruguru, 24, is a student at the Kenya School of Law, a researcher and a budding dog breeder and chicken farmer.


How would you describe yourself?


I am young and charismatic and believe in maximising all the opportunities that come my way.


I am a graduate of the University of Nairobi and hold a degree in law. I'm currently at the Kenya School of Law advancing my studies.


How did you start out in business?

After completing my degree last year in November, I moved out of Nairobi's Parklands area to my parents' house in Juja.


Being out of school was a relief, but I wasn't getting pocket money anymore and found it difficult to meet my personal needs, so I started looking for ways to make an income.


I had found an internship, and though it gave me much-needed experience, I was getting impatient for the time when I would finally make a little money to sustain myself.


One day, as I left home for the place I was interning in Thika, it suddenly hit me that two of our dogs, Beth and Cate, had delivered 10 and 12 puppies, respectively, over two weeks. We could not keep all those dogs. I worked on creating a poster that we put up on our gate to advertise puppies for sale. In a week, more than 10 people made enquiries.


I decided to feed the puppies with healthier food to improve their growth and development. When they were a month old, I sold 20 of them at Sh3,500 each, making Sh70,000.


I started being keen on dog rearing and I now have five dogs in total, four of them female. They not only act as security guards, pets and friends, but are also a source of income. I sell their puppies when they are still young so that the new owners can train them. It also reduces my breeding costs.


I have also started investing in chicken farming.


What do you consider your side hustle?


I work with a law firm in Nairobi as a part-time researcher. I gather information from sources by having one-on-one interviews with them, dig out archived information and also document current on goings and use them for cases.



Proposal would keep animals from puppy mills out of Suffolk


Suffolk legislators are discussing a proposal to restrict where pet stores and online dealers get puppies and kittens, in what animal advocates called a step toward curbing dogs bred in 'puppy mills.'


The proposed law also would require annual inspections by the county's department of consumer affairs of pet dealers selling nine or more dogs or cats a year.


Pet-store owners voiced concern at a Riverhead meeting Tuesday it will be another layer of bureaucracy, but many said they supported the bill because it would protect animal safety.


MULTIMEDIA: Puppy of the Day | LI pets | Pets for adoption | Your pet photos | Animals on the loose


INTERACT: Share your pet photos | LI's popular dog names | Popular dog breeds


The measure prevents Suffolk pet stores from buying animals from breeders with serious violations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or numerous minor violations.


'This is going to effectively shut down the sale of puppy mill dogs in Suffolk County,' said Legis. Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk), who introduced the bill.


Suffolk County is the first municipality in the state to try to regulate sales in pet stores under a law that gave them such authority in January.


The bill sets standards for the size of the cage and how cages are stacked, and requires the stores post that the inspection reports from the breeders are available on request. There would be a $500 fine per violation of the county's law.


The latest version of the bill was presented Tuesday at the legislature's general meeting in Riverhead.


It came after months of negotiations between national and local animal advocates for shelters and rescue dogs and cats, and pet-store owners and breeders, who said many consumers want a more predictable experience of buying a breed from a storefront.


About 25 advocates, many of whom said they were volunteers with Long Island animal shelters, called on the legislature Tuesday in Riverhead to pass the bill, describing the 'horrors' of puppy mills.


Pamela Green, director of Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, called many pet-shop dogs 'consumer fraud at its finest.'


'People think they're getting a cute little dog in a pet shop, but sometimes, they're getting a financial nightmare,' she said.


A nearly equal number of pet-store owners and happy customers defended pet stores. Pet-store and pure-breed owners said they supported the latest version of the bill, though some store owners expressed frustration with another layer of inspection and regulation.


'I'm tired of being treated as some type of lower form of life,' said Barbara Maple, owner of Petite Pets in Huntington. 'Nobody loves their puppies more than me.'


She said federal, state and, now, local oversight 'is starting to become so redundant and it's the same paperwork over and over. . . . It takes away time from taking care of puppies.'


Ira Nierman, owner of Canine Corral Kennels, said he could live with the bill, which he called a 'compromise on both sides.'


'It doesn't put pet stores out of business,' he said.


An earlier version of the measure would have only allowed pet stores to sell puppies that were 14 weeks old, which breeders and pet store owners said would have effectively put them out of business. The current version puts the age limit at eight weeks, which matches existing state and federal standards.


Bob Yarnall Jr., president and chief executive of the American Canine Association in Florida said in Riverhead Tuesday that the association could support the bill.


'No one wants to buy from a bad actor,' he said.


Dale Bartlett, public policy manager for The Humane Society of the United States, said New York City will hear a bill on pet-store restrictions Wednesday. 'It at least begins shutting puppy mills out of Suffolk County,' he said.


He also noted that unlike some municipalities, Suffolk's ban would include pet dealers who sell their animals online.


The bill would not allow a pet dealer, defined as a for-profit business that sells nine or more dogs or cats a year, from buying from a breeder who has had:


A serious violation, called a 'direct violation,' from the USDA within two years;


A 'no access' violation, one in which inspectors were not able come on site, on the two most recent inspections from the USDA;


Three or more different lower-level violations, called 'indirect violations,' on the most recent USDA report; and


One or more recurring lower-level violation on the most recent USDA report.


The proposal will be heard in the government operations committee May 7 in Hauppauge.


City of Ottawa's decision not to enforce pit bull ban draws critics, praise


A Canadian relief organization that provided support to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza insists it has been the subject of 'speculative' links to terrorism. But federal public safety officials said Tuesday that the International Relief Fund for the [...]


47 minutes ago


'90s Fashion Trend Alert: The Return of Knee Socks for Spring, Are You Into It?


Knee socks always make me think of Cher in the seminal '90s classic Clueless.


Come on, this is still a really good outfit.

But considering that the elongated way to wear socks is making a strong return this spring, I may have another reference point come summer. Now before you hit the 'back' button or close out this tab, please at least look at the different ways to wear the '90s-redux look-similar to my study of the divisive mom jeans trend. Then let's discuss!


Borrowed From the Boys: Earlier this week, Taylor Swift took another paparazzi-stalked walk around New York City in a menswear-inspired knee socks outfit. She accessorized her banker blue button down and scalloped edged shorts outfit with a pair of high heel brogues and what dudes refer to as 'dress socks.' Girls go raid your guy's sock drawer now! (Hopefully your man switches out his socks more often than his underwear.)


So what's the verdict? Are you into knee socks for spring? Which of these looks do you like best? And most important question: Will you wear them?

The Racier OTK: Right before she dyed her hair back to all black, Katy Perry made an appearance in over-the-knee socks layered under a pair of platform sandals. While OTK socks can be more intimidating to pull off (cutting off circulation in the femoral artery, for one), they do make for an edgier, sexier version of the trend.


The Sporty-Chic Look: Off duty model Ming Xi paired athletic striped socks with her sneakers. (I actually see this look quite a lot in Brooklyn and not on the soccer fields.) It's somewhat literal, but hey, totally comfortable especially in tricky spring weather.


Photos: Getty Images

Top 10 Must Have Fashion Items for Spring


Ready to fill your shopping bag with spring's most in demand styles and trends? Well, we've got it all right here.


Denim is one of the season's hottest fabrics and is certainly on the must-haves list. Jeans never go out of style but this season, vamp up your wardrobe by rocking denim on denim. Don't be afraid to match a new jean jacket with your old faithful jeans.



On the topic of jeans, if you don't already have a pair of dark wash denim jeans in your wardrobe, now is the perfect time to get them. The dark wash matches with everything from your basic worn-in tee to a button up shirt, necktie and blazer. It is the perfect go-to piece.


The trend for blazers this spring is not your grand-dad's special. It's all about the prints. You could choose something fashionable like polka dots or a new take on a gingham check.


Sneakers, especially the designer ones are on the rise. If you're not into spending hundreds of dollars on a luxury label, try any of the bright trainers. They liven up and add color to any look.


The floral shirt is yet another great item to show off your own personal style. We're not talking Hawaii Five - O here but definitely something that adds a little fun and shows your sense of humor will not only give you a sunny disposition but will spread joy to everyone you encounter.


If you plan to spend a lot of time out enjoying the weather this season, it is vital to invest in a good weekend hat. A cotton bucket style fisherman hat should do the trick.


For cool spring nights or an early morning run, a wind-breaker style sporty jacket is a great, lightweight style option.



Spring is here and summer is in sight so be sure to find the perfect frames for you. Sunglasses are essential to a complete and polished look.


Make your wrist really stand out with a casual time piece. The weekender watch is an essential add to any man's collection.


Before you step out of the door, don't forget a spray of summer cologne. Let muskier options take a back seat and replace it with a lighter scent. Choose something with longevity with notes of citrus and wood.


Spring Fashion Alert: Neilson's Shoe Department

If you are anything like me, then you understand the value of a great shoe. While I tend to change outfits at least three times a day (whenever I am not sporting my usual exercise gear), I can always count on my closet to provide the perfect shoe.


Shoes are by far my favorite accessories. I usually keep to several rotating, staple outfits, but changing up my shoes can make a huge difference. Shoes are pieces that can last you decades because no matter what is 'in' during a certain time, fashionistas can always appreciate a funky pair of shoes.


So, with finals week quickly approaching, why not reward all of that hard work with a new pair of shoes? One of my favorite places in Oxford to go when I feel like splurging on a new pair of shoes is the Neilson's shoe department on the Square.


While many of the brands they carry can be on the pricier side, they don't ever lag in quality. Every single pair of shoes I have ever purchased from Neilson's has lasted, and they are always my most comfortable shoes.


(GOOD NEWS: Neilson's is currently having a 30% off sale on select styles!)


Of all the brands available in Neilson's, my two favorites are Fly London and Clarks. I love Fly London because they are so unique and remind me of the fashion-forward style found in Europe. They are also some of the most comfortable shoes you can find and you really can't beat the quality. I recently bought this pair of forest green booties, and I am absolutely obsessed with them! Now I am trying to save up for the orange open-toed booties (pictured below).



Clarks is a walking shoe company, so you never have to sacrifice comfort for style. Right now Neilson's is offering a huge variety of Clarks wedges for summer, which are truly a must-have.


These camouflage TOMS and the Lucky Brand elastic band wedges are also at the top of my personal shopping list.


I urge you to swing by Neilson's soon so you can call a pair your own today!


- Gabriella Welch is a staff writer for HottyToddy.com, student in the Meek School of Journalism & New Media and actual fashionista. She can be reached by emailing gawelch@go.olemiss.edu.

Omaha Fashion Week Announces Designers Showcasing Spring/Summer 2015 ...


Omaha, Neb. -- Omaha Fashion Week is excited to announced the designers selected to show Spring/Summer 2015 collections in the upcoming week long runway showcase, August 18th - 23th. Out of 44 local and national applicants, 32 designers were chosen to present runway collections as well as two designers on the OFW platforms showcasing capsule collections. This upcoming August lineup includes 15 new designer faces and collections on the OFW runway, 11 out-of-state designers and 6 high school students.


'It is wonderful to see 15 new designers involved in Omaha Fashion Week. As OFW expands we are engaging new young, student talent as well as introducing out-of-town designer markets to Omaha's collaborative community and fashion-industry eco-system,' said OFW Producer Brook Hudson. 'It's so exciting to see how far we've come as a fashion community in the seven years since OFW began.'


Designer Interview Highlights:

· Denise Ervin is a veteran clothing and costume designer, with 30 years of experience in Omaha and Los Angeles. Denis was the head costume designer for 20 years at The Omaha Playhouse and a senior designer for 8 years at Adidas.


· Hannah Olsen of Hannah Caroline Couture, a plus size fashion label, plans to show a collection of plus size knitwear. Hannah recently won the Maverick Business Plan Competition through UNO for her Hannah Caroline Couture business plan. She was the first freshman and first female to win.


· Dan Richters is a local Omaha artist and designer, showing his work in OFW as well as LA Fashion Week. Dan produces and creates his own materials using new fabrication techniques, which he plans to use to create a balance of couture and ready to wear.


Designers complete an online application process and then pitched their ideas to a panel of industry experts brought together by the Fashion Institute Midwest. Designer interviews were conducted last week. Experts score each designer and provided feedback, which OFW uses to make final selections.


OFW's August venue will be a large, white tent in the Capital District located in downtown Omaha. A complete schedule of events for August 18th - 23rd will be announced in late May. Tickets on sale June 1st. Below is a list of designer bios:


Young Blood

Elda Doamekpo is a high school student with a brand called Élle Inspired. Elda is stepping outside her normal eveningwear flair and experimenting with her native African culture style elements for her August collection.


Kate Walz is an eight time OFW veteran at only 17 years old. Jessica Latham, who helped Kate when she first started designing, inspired her upcoming collection. Kate hopes to go to Parson's in Manhattan after graduating from high school.


Hannah Olsen of Hannah Caroline Couture, a plus size fashion label, plans to show a collection of plus size knitwear. Hannah recently won the Maverick Business Plan Competition through UNO for her Hannah Caroline Couture business plan. She was the first freshman and first female to win!


Quinton Lovelace is a local high school student designer and OFW newbie. Quinton will produce an eveningwear collection of 10 looks for his first time on the runway.


Lauren Birkentall, 18, is a second time OFW designer. She is creating a daywear collection inspired by New York City street fashion.


Platform Designers: Juan and Bre Mora-amaral are two students from the Kent Bellows Mentoring Fashion Program who will be showing on OFW platforms for the first time. They are designing a men and women's urban, contemporary collection.


Platform Designer: Alesha Johnson is a high school junior and is an OFW newbie. Alesha's collection consists of short, flirty silhouettes full of beading and chiffon, reminiscent of the twenties.


Veterans

Susan Ludlow is an exceptional crochet fashion designer specializing in children's wear. Her 2014 collection is called Midnight Garden using specialty threads and handmade buttons to create a magical garden with flowers and fairies.


Dan Richters is a local Omaha artist and designer, showing his work in OFW as well as LA Fashion Week. Dan produces and creates his own materials using new fabrication techniques, which he plans to use to create a balance of couture and ready to wear.


Kristen VanHessche is a visual storytelling fashion and costuming designer. She will be creating an Avant Garde collection based on the Kimono and Japanese culture, including stories and myths.


Jennifer Pool, a local freelance fashion and costume designer, plans to create an experimental and theatrical Avant Garde show with spoken text and creative movement.


Bertiher de la Cruz is a local Omaha designer and owner of Spoiled Little Mama, a trademarked diaper bag producer. Bertiher plans to create a collection of evening wear inspired by the Spanish tradition, Paso Doble.


Angela Balderston creates Avant Garde pieces made from plaster and non-traditional materials under the label Get Plastered! Angela's collection this season is inspired by The Lost Tribe of the Amazon.


Hannah Olson is an 18-year-old designer who loves to make custom garments for all sizes under her label, Hannah Caroline. She is dedicated to improving the selection of plus-sized apparel and helping women feel beautiful in their own skin.


Buf Reynolds has been creating garments for seventeen years. She is self-taught and loves the creative outlet fashion gives her.


Aubrey Sookram studied Fashion design and Marketing at the UNL. She designs children's clothing and accessories under the name MarkoosModernDesign. She will be producing a mini collection of flower girl dresses this upcoming season.


Senin, 28 April 2014

Waterville animal shelter still closed as ringworm fight continues

Officials at the Humane Society Waterville Area shelter say the fungal infection so far has cost $10,000.

By Jesse Scardina jscardina@centralmaine.comStaff Writer


WATERVILLE - A ringworm outbreak at the humane society last week has resulted in a prolonged closure to the animal shelter as employees continued to expunge the fungal infection from the building, costing the nonprofit shelter thousands of dollars.



WELCOME DONATIONS: Humane Society Waterville Area employee Luis Mauser holds the door for Jane Bird, who donated bedding for animals at the shelter on Monday. In the background are boxes for cats stored outside and will be discarded because of a ringworm outbreak.


Staff photo by David Leaming



STOP: Signs on the entrance to the Humane Society Waterville Area tell patrons to stop and not bring an animal into the shelter because of a ringworm infestation on Monday.


Staff photo by David Leaming


Related headlines

Pam Nichols, manager of the Humane Socity Waterville Area, said the results from cultures testing for the disease on several dozen cats and about 18 dogs revealed no further cases of ringworm. Two dogs and 10 cats tested positive last week, according to Nichols.


Shelter officials said last week they hoped to reopen Monday, but now say the continued shutdown is so employees and volunteers at the shelter can continue to clean the cats' side of the shelter. Kennel officials will administer environmental cultures at the end of the week to be sure the fungal infection is completely removed from the building off Webb Road.


In addition to shutting down and cleaning the entire shelter, the humane society had to have cultures taken for each animal that was at the shelter - about 110 cats and 18 dogs - which cost between $65 to $85 each. Since the fungus can survive on many surfaces, the shelter also had to throw away all of its bedding and supplies for the animals.


Nichols estimated the damage at around $10,000, between the costs for the cultures, the nearly round-the-clock cleaning that has been done and the amount of supplies thrown away.


'Right now we're relying on donations to stay open,' Nichols said Monday. 'But we need to keep it coming.'


Last year, Jane Bird of Waterville adopted an orange tabby cat named Miss Millie from the shelter, and she felt compelled to help this year by donating bedding that was then thrown out because of the fungus. Monday she dropped off some more.


'We had a rummage sale on Saturday and I read that the shelter was looking for donations,' Bird said. 'We brought over some blankets, pillows and animal beds.'


The shelter had recouped roughly a quarter of the supplies it had to throw away by Monday afternoon, according to Nichols.


Depending on the environmental cultures that will take place toward the end of the week, accord to Nichols, the shelter hopes to open to the public by next week.


'We see a light at the end of the tunnel,' Nichols said.


Ringworm is a fungal infection that feeds on the outer layer of skin and appears in dime-sized circles on the skin's surface. It can be passed from animals to humans and thrives on warm, moist skin. Unlike the name suggests, it's not a worm or parasite. Affected animals are being treated with a bath dip in lime-sulphur along with anti-fungal medication.


On Friday, the humane society sent out a news release explaining the fungal outbreak and that it contacted the state's Animal Welfare Department for assistance. The shelter is working to isolate the unaffected animals, which will be continually monitored through a two-week process, with multiple tests before the animals are returned to the shelter.


'This is a very difficult time for the shelter,' said Board of Directors Matt Townsend in the Friday release. 'We are looking to our members and to the public for assistance in this time of great need. ... We are in desperate need of financial assistance. The work we have ahead of us, in treating animals and sanitizing our facility, will put a huge strain on our budget.'


While the shelter is not open to the public, the area animal control officers that work with the humane society are able to bring stray dogs to the shelter, as that area of the building had been cleared, Nichols said.


'The dog area is completely done, but we're still cleaning up the cat area,' she said.


There are about a dozen cats and a half dozen dogs at the shelter, all under quarantine, Nichols said. The majority of the animals were transported to the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook, Nichols said.


The cause of the outbreak, according to Nichols, stemmed from one of two stray dogs that had been left at the shelter overnight with porcupine quills in their mouth along with a letter saying the owner could no longer care for them. In the days following the dogs' arrival, two dogs and 10 cats tested positive for ringworm.


The two dogs that were left at the shelter are recovering well, Nichols said Monday. However, Buddy, the terrier, was infected with ringworm so Magnum, the Great Dane, is being closely watched.


'They are both recovering well and have been neutered,' Nichols said. 'They'll still be here for another two weeks as we continue to clean the building.'


Jesse Scardina - 861-9239 jscardina@centralmaine.com Twitter: @jessescardina


Waterville animal shelter still closed as ringworm fight continues

Officials at the Humane Society Waterville Area shelter say the fungal infection so far has cost $10,000.

By Jesse Scardina jscardina@centralmaine.comStaff Writer


WATERVILLE - A ringworm outbreak at the humane society last week has resulted in a prolonged closure to the animal shelter as employees continued to expunge the fungal infection from the building, costing the nonprofit shelter thousands of dollars.



WELCOME DONATIONS: Humane Society Waterville Area employee Luis Mauser holds the door for Jane Bird, who donated bedding for animals at the shelter on Monday. In the background are boxes for cats stored outside and will be discarded because of a ringworm outbreak.


Staff photo by David Leaming



STOP: Signs on the entrance to the Humane Society Waterville Area tell patrons to stop and not bring an animal into the shelter because of a ringworm infestation on Monday.


Staff photo by David Leaming


Related headlines

Pam Nichols, manager of the Humane Socity Waterville Area, said the results from cultures testing for the disease on several dozen cats and about 18 dogs revealed no further cases of ringworm. Two dogs and 10 cats tested positive last week, according to Nichols.


Shelter officials said last week they hoped to reopen Monday, but now say the continued shutdown is so employees and volunteers at the shelter can continue to clean the cats' side of the shelter. Kennel officials will administer environmental cultures at the end of the week to be sure the fungal infection is completely removed from the building off Webb Road.


In addition to shutting down and cleaning the entire shelter, the humane society had to have cultures taken for each animal that was at the shelter - about 110 cats and 18 dogs - which cost between $65 to $85 each. Since the fungus can survive on many surfaces, the shelter also had to throw away all of its bedding and supplies for the animals.


Nichols estimated the damage at around $10,000, between the costs for the cultures, the nearly round-the-clock cleaning that has been done and the amount of supplies thrown away.


'Right now we're relying on donations to stay open,' Nichols said Monday. 'But we need to keep it coming.'


Last year, Jane Bird of Waterville adopted an orange tabby cat named Miss Millie from the shelter, and she felt compelled to help this year by donating bedding that was then thrown out because of the fungus. Monday she dropped off some more.


'We had a rummage sale on Saturday and I read that the shelter was looking for donations,' Bird said. 'We brought over some blankets, pillows and animal beds.'


The shelter had recouped roughly a quarter of the supplies it had to throw away by Monday afternoon, according to Nichols.


Depending on the environmental cultures that will take place toward the end of the week, accord to Nichols, the shelter hopes to open to the public by next week.


'We see a light at the end of the tunnel,' Nichols said.


Ringworm is a fungal infection that feeds on the outer layer of skin and appears in dime-sized circles on the skin's surface. It can be passed from animals to humans and thrives on warm, moist skin. Unlike the name suggests, it's not a worm or parasite. Affected animals are being treated with a bath dip in lime-sulphur along with anti-fungal medication.


On Friday, the humane society sent out a news release explaining the fungal outbreak and that it contacted the state's Animal Welfare Department for assistance. The shelter is working to isolate the unaffected animals, which will be continually monitored through a two-week process, with multiple tests before the animals are returned to the shelter.


'This is a very difficult time for the shelter,' said Board of Directors Matt Townsend in the Friday release. 'We are looking to our members and to the public for assistance in this time of great need. ... We are in desperate need of financial assistance. The work we have ahead of us, in treating animals and sanitizing our facility, will put a huge strain on our budget.'


While the shelter is not open to the public, the area animal control officers that work with the humane society are able to bring stray dogs to the shelter, as that area of the building had been cleared, Nichols said.


'The dog area is completely done, but we're still cleaning up the cat area,' she said.


There are about a dozen cats and a half dozen dogs at the shelter, all under quarantine, Nichols said. The majority of the animals were transported to the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook, Nichols said.


The cause of the outbreak, according to Nichols, stemmed from one of two stray dogs that had been left at the shelter overnight with porcupine quills in their mouth along with a letter saying the owner could no longer care for them. In the days following the dogs' arrival, two dogs and 10 cats tested positive for ringworm.


The two dogs that were left at the shelter are recovering well, Nichols said Monday. However, Buddy, the terrier, was infected with ringworm so Magnum, the Great Dane, is being closely watched.


'They are both recovering well and have been neutered,' Nichols said. 'They'll still be here for another two weeks as we continue to clean the building.'


Jesse Scardina - 861-9239 jscardina@centralmaine.com Twitter: @jessescardina


Eva Chen Marvels at Fashion Week Street Style Shitstorm


Photo via Driely S.


In this month's Lucky editor's letter, Eva Chen mulls over her first two Fashion Week seasons as a bonafide street style star. Though Chen was familiar with the circus, having spent years as a magazine editor, it was only recently that she was thrust fully into the spotlight.


The entire thing sounds ridiculous. Chen mentions that last September, one street style photog gave her kudos for wearing her clothes more than once.


'You know, we [all the street style photographers, thereby implying it had been a topic of conversation] think it's very brave that you have worn some of the same pieces over and over,' [he said]. That statement triggered a domino effect of emotions: confusion (huh?!) and then simultaneous paroxysms of laughter (I mean ... yes, I wore the same Jil Sander skirt in two cities. How absurd that it be something unusual!) and disbelief ('brave,' to me, is being on the front lines of a war or standing up for your beliefs. Not wearing the same thing twice).

She goes on to acknowledge some truths about the current state of Fashion Week street style: that plenty of those eye-popping outfits are borrowed (' for a day or a few hours'), that no one can really walk in those heels ('only possible thanks to Uber') and that editors don't necessarily get all these looks together on their own (Chen has an assistant). 'All that is why the way real women dress is so very inspiring to me,' she says. · Eva Chen's May Editor's Letter: Fashion Marathon! [Lucky] · Eva Chen on Lucky Shuttering Rumors: 'Haters Gonna Hate' [Racked] · Well, That Was a Weird NYFW: Empty Seats, Quiet Social [Racked]


The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Portland Fashion Week, Reviewed

My issues with Portland Fashion Week are well-documented. Put as succinctly as possible, I think the used of its (very official sounding) name is a power grab that isn't backed up by its content; it's not all bad, but it's a long way from being the event that it should be: one that represents the biggest names in Portland's fashion industry; that debuts the city's most exciting new designs; that every designer in town aspires to be a part of.


Instead what we have is an uneven, three-day 'week' of shows that vary wildly in quality and relevance.


Jaycob Desrosiers and Brianna Nelson

See and read more about the strange goings on in the basement of the Memorial Coliseum, with photos by Jaycob Desrosiers and Brianna Nelson on MOD, where my review of Day One (mostly 'the Bad and the Ugly') is up now.